Ashikaga Takauji

Ashikaga Takauji (18 August 1305-7 June 1358) was the founder of the Ashikaga Shogunate. In 1338 he captured Kamakura from Go-Daigo after the Battle of Minatogawa and he founded a long line of Ashikaga shoguns over Japan.

Biography
Takauji was a man with three qualities: he kept cool in battle and was not afraid of death, he was merciful and tolerant, and he was generous with those below him. In 1333 he fought for the Kamakura Shogunate against the rebel army of Emperor Go-Daigo and his general Nitta Yoshisada during the Genko War, but became disillusioned and joined Go-Daigo's Rebellion. He assisted in the defeat of the Hojo shoguns and in 1335 he attempted to reestablish the shogunate, making a grab for power. In 1338 he defeated the forces loyal to Go-Daigo at the Battle of Minatogawa and was made the first Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate.

From 1351 to 1355 there was a struggle for Kyoto and in 1352 the Southern Courts captured Kyoto in the name of Go-Daigo. In 1353 and 1355 the Southern Courts captured Kyoto, each time followed by a recapture by the Ashikaga Shogunate. He died in 1358, and the wars would go on until 1392, when the Yamana clan was defeated, letting the Ashikaga secure their place in Japan permanently.